Fence welcomed on damaged Demesnes

PLANS to fence off part of the lower Demesnes, in Barnard Castle, have been welcomed after cars once again caused damage to the turf last week.

Deep ruts were carved into the grass after drivers did “doughnuts” with their cars over two nights on Monday and Tuesday.

There are also complaints that young people congregating in the area are leaving behind piles of rubbish.

The town council plans to fence off part of the Demesnes to prevent vehicles from going onto the grass and £10,000 has been set aside for the project.

Cllr John Blissett expressed disappointment with the latest incident.

He said: “They are taking advantage of the weather. The trouble is the whole ground is boggy. Now it is spoiled.

“The sooner we get it sorted out and get it done the better. We would prefer to leave it like it is, but if you don't do anything... You can’t win.”

He said the bollard used to prevent access to the Demesnes was down when the incident occurred.

However, Carol and Chris Chapman, who walk their dog Barney on the Demesnes regularly, pointed out that a car can easily get around the bollard.

Mr Chapman said: “It is a shame for the grass but it is also the rubbish that they leave behind. There will be a pile of takeaway containers left behind. The kids aren’t noisy or nasty, they just want somewhere to hang out.”